Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Lawyers in New York, NY
If you are under the age of 21 and have been placed in deportation proceedings, it may be possible to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). You may be able to apply for this status even if you are not in removal proceedings, but the process varies slightly. Applying for SIJS status can be complicated. Our immigration lawyer in New York explains more about the process below.
What is SIJS?
SIJS helps protect immigrant children in the United States from being deported if one or both of their parents have abandoned, neglected, or abused them. People who apply for SIJS do not necessarily have bad parents. Many times, people apply for this status because their parents tried to care for their children but could not.
What Happens During Removal Proceedings?
If you are being deported and the United States government is successful, you must return to your home country. If approved for SIJS, you can obtain lawful permanent residence status. This means you can legally get a green card and live and work in the United States. Ultimately, you can even sponsor other family members for U.S. entry and pursue citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements
SIJS is not available to everyone. The eligibility requirements include:
- Under the age of 21
- A resident of the United States
- Unmarried individuals, as well as widowed and divorced individuals, and parents, can apply
- Proof that nothing disqualifies you from lawful permanent residence, such as a criminal conviction
- An order from a court stating that you cannot live with either of your parents due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment
- A court order stating that returning to your home country is not in your best interests
Applying for SIJS
Applying for SIJS can take time, as there are many steps. These are as follows:
- Attend a court hearing: You need to appear and tell a judge you are applying for SIJS as a child who entered the United States without your parents.
- Contact an immigration lawyer: Contact the best immigration lawyer in your area and be prepared to meet with them regularly.
- Obtain a court order: You must obtain a court order stating that living with your parents, or in your home country, is not in your best interests.
- Submit your petition: Complete it and submit it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Complete any steps they provide.
Our Immigration Lawyer in New York City Can Help You Through the Process
At Nunez Law Firm, our immigration lawyer in New York can help you obtain an SIJS and make it as easy as possible. Call 917-708-1072 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and get the legal help you need.